Ardith Graham

Ardith “Ardy” Graham, age 65, of Cave Junction, died Sunday, October 26, 2008 at her home. She was born on April 27, 1943 in Ross, California to her parent’s Eunice & Charles Melvin. She graduated from Arcata High School in 1961 and married her Sweetheart Glenn Graham one week later on June 24th. In October 1962 their first daughter, Pamela was born and in August 1965 their second daughter Glenda came along.

Ardy spent her working years in California as a head cook at various places such as; The Little Red Barn, Arcata High School, Jonah’s and as the Salad Lady at Humboldt State University’s Jolly Giant. Ardy then changed careers in 1999 working for United Indian Health Services with mothers & babies before retiring to Oregon in 2000 with her husband Glenn. Ardith soon tired of just being home and started back to work as the cook for Head Start & later for Early Head Start in Cave Junction, Oregon before retiring for good in 2003.

Ardith spent her home time 4x4ing on the Samoa Sand dunes, helping run her & her husband’s 4x4 Pull Truck “The Barbarian”, camping and hunting deer with her husband and girls. She enjoyed baking cookies and photographing her 2 lovely grandchildren; her granddaughter Tabitha born in December 1986 & her grandson Gregory born in November 1997.

Ardith was of Native American Descent and was an Elder in the Yurok Tribe located on the Klamath River in Klamath, California.

Ardith is survived by her husband, Glenn Graham, two daughters, Pamela Kennedy and Glenda Graham, granddaughter Tabitha Jackson-Patton, grandson Gregory Graham, an elder sister Charlene “Soos” Allen, a younger brother John Melvin and his wife Kathy, a niece Rebecca, a nephew Charles Mathew, 1 great-niece and 4 great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her elder brother Robert Melvin.

Ardith will be greatly missed and in her memory donations can be made to the ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter at 310 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 630 Portland, Oregon 97204 or online at www.alsa-or.org .

Services have been held. Illinois Valley Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.